Nell: How is David? You’ve been gone for ages.
Me: I’m afraid it is kennel cough, Nell.
Nell: But we have all been vaccinated.
Me: Amy the Vet says it’s like Covid. You can still get it even if you have been vaccinated just not as badly.
Nell: How did he get it?
Me: Amy says kennel cough is everywhere at the moment. She is seeing so many dogs with it, even if they haven’t been in direct contact with other dogs.
Nell: That’s not good to hear. Well, you look completely exhausted.
Me: I am. Dave was retching all through the night. Every half hour. Poor Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: Poppy told me. She decided to come downstairs. She said he slept in your bed.
Me: Yes. The little sleep he had.
Nell: The little sleep you all had. I think a quiet day is called for.
Me: Yes. I agree. Especially for Dave. The thing is, Nell, Amy says Dave must be on complete rest for the next 5 days so I’m afraid there can be no dancing.
Nell: Of course not. Rhubarb hasn’t even arrived from Canada yet and the couples are just starting their training so that’s no problem.
Me: What a relief. I thought he might have to drop out of the competition altogether.
Nell: Drop out? Never. Strictly Come Prancing without David Martin is not an option.
Me: Thank goodness.
Nell; Now, Manuel is going to make up a fresh bed for you and Poppy is bringing you a croissant to eat while you’re waiting.
Me: What about Dave?
Nell: David will be having scrambled eggs for breakfast with Manuka honey and water to drink.
Me: Perfect.
Nell: Then it’s back to bed for the both of you. No arguments.
Me; Yes. Sorry.
